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Centre Daily Times February 1 2005
Bellefonte's meters flowing on schedule
By Lara Brenckle; lbrenckl@centredaily.com
"Less than a month into its water meter installation project, Bellefonte is beginning to reap the benefits of a monitored system.
Recently, a homeowner had his meter installed at 10 a.m. Shortly after it was turned on, according to Borough Manager Ralph Stewart, the homeowner called the borough to say it was malfunctioning. He hadn't used any water, but the meter was ticking up usage, he said.
When crews went to check the home at 2 p.m., they discovered a toilet in the basement was running. In just four hours, it had used 900 gallons of water.
"Once it was shut off, the meter stopped turning," Stewart said. "In some ways, that's exactly what we're looking for. We're not trying to alter anyone's lifestyle. We're just trying to see where our extra water is going."
The project has been controversial, because many residents believe they have a right to free water. As a nod to that feeling, customers will get a second chance to get information and ask questions about the project tonight.
The Bellefonte Borough Water Authority will host a public information session at 7:30 p.m. at the Bellefonte Middle School, 100 School Street.
In response to repeated gallons-per-day usage violations by the borough, the authority agreed to, for the first time, install meters on residential and commercial establishments.
Much of the problem was due to leaking in the borough's antiquated water system. The state Department of Environmental Protection did not fine the authority for the violations because it was working to address its infrastructure problems.
According to borough manager Ralph Stewart, about 400 meters have been installed since the work began Jan. 11. In all, about 4,000 meters will be hooked up at a cost of $1.5 million to $2 million.
Authority customers will see a roughly $18 per quarter jump in water bills, to $58 until all customers are on the metered system. At that point, customers will be billed based on the amount of water they use.
Customers are also being urged to purchase expansion tanks. Such a tank gives hot water or steam a place to go when it expands, instead of going into the main line. An expansion tank costs about $55, not including the cost of installation, according to borough officials."
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